The rich sweetness of tender sweet potatoes melds harmoniously with a warm whisper of bourbon in this Bourbon Sweet Potato Pie. This comforting Southern classic takes a familiar dessert and elevates it with just the right amount of spirited depth. From the creamy texture of whipped-together sweet potato and butter to the gentle hint of cinnamon and nutmeg dancing on your taste buds, every bite feels like a heartwarming hug. As a beginner-friendly dessert, it invites home cooks to step into the kitchen with confidence, knowing that straightforward steps yield a showstopping centerpiece. Whether it’s your first time baking a pie or you’re simply seeking the ideal dessert for family gatherings, this recipe has you covered.
I still remember the first time I offered a slice of this pie at a holiday potluck—grateful friends circled back for seconds, praising the silky filling and the subtle boozy twist. The granulated and brown sugars weave together, creating a balance of caramel notes, while evaporated milk lends that luscious creaminess. And let’s not forget the unbaked pie crust that crisps up golden, providing the perfect buttery cradle for our spiced filling. Resting in the refrigerator for a couple of hours transforms the pie into a sliceable dream, ready to impress at any autumn gathering or festive feast. This is not just a dessert; it’s a memory in the making.
KEY INGREDIENTS IN BOURBON SWEET POTATO PIE
Every ingredient in this Bourbon Sweet Potato Pie plays a pivotal role, ensuring a perfect balance of sweetness, spice, and texture. Let’s dive into what makes each component so essential:
- Sweet potatoes
Provide the velvety foundation and natural sweetness. When cooked and mashed, they create a smooth filling that carries the warm spices and bourbon beautifully.
- Unsalted butter
Adds rich creaminess and helps meld the sweet potatoes into a luscious mixture. It also enhances the buttery flavor of the crust.
- Granulated sugar
Lends a straightforward sweetness that brightens the sweet potato flavor without overpowering it.
- Brown sugar
Infuses deep caramel notes and a hint of molasses, rounding out the dessert’s profile with a comforting richness.
- Evaporated milk
Offers a creamy, concentrated dairy boost that thickens the filling and gives it that custard-like consistency.
- Eggs
Act as a binding agent, setting the pie filling and providing structure so each slice holds its shape.
- Bourbon
Brings a warm, smoky depth, enhancing the sweetness of the potatoes and adding a sophisticated twist.
- Vanilla extract
Balances flavors with a floral, sweet aroma, rounding out the spices and bourbon.
- Ground cinnamon
Introduces a comforting warmth and classic spice note that pairs perfectly with sweet potatoes.
- Ground nutmeg
Contributes a subtle nutty, earthy flavor that supports the overall spice blend.
- Salt
Enhances and balances the sweetness, ensuring the flavors aren’t cloying.
- Unbaked pie crust
Provides a crisp, flaky base that contrasts beautifully with the creamy filling.
HOW TO MAKE BOURBON SWEET POTATO PIE
Embarking on this baking adventure is surprisingly simple, even for a beginner. With a handful of familiar ingredients and clear steps, you’ll achieve a show-stopping dessert in no time.
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Ensuring a fully heated oven is crucial for consistent baking and a perfectly set filling.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and mashed sweet potatoes with the softened butter. Use an electric mixer or sturdy whisk to beat until the mixture is completely smooth and homogenous.
3. Add the granulated sugar and brown sugar to the sweet potato blend. Stir thoroughly until no sugar granules remain, creating a sweet, silky base.
4. Pour in the evaporated milk, then beat in the eggs one at a time. Make sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next to maintain an even texture.
5. Stir in the bourbon, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix until all ingredients are evenly distributed and the filling gleams with a gentle sheen.
6. Pour the sweet potato filling into the unbaked pie crust. Use a spatula to smooth out the top, ensuring an even layer for uniform baking.
7. Place the pie on the middle rack of the oven and bake for 55 to 60 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the filling is set and a knife inserted into the center emerges clean.
8. Remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool on a wire rack. Cooling at room temperature helps lightly settle the filling before chilling.
9. Once cooled, refrigerate the pie for at least a couple of hours. This resting time firms up the filling, making it easy to slice and serve.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR BOURBON SWEET POTATO PIE
Elevating your Bourbon Sweet Potato Pie from delicious to unforgettable is all about those final touches. Whether you’re aiming for rustic comfort or elegant presentation, these serving ideas will highlight the pie’s rich flavors and creamy texture. Grab your favorite plates, set out some napkins, and get ready to impress your guests with a dessert that looks as good as it tastes.
- Dollop of Whipped Cream
Top each slice with a generous swirl of lightly sweetened whipped cream. The airy texture contrasts delightfully with the dense filling, and a sprinkle of cinnamon or a few toasted pecans adds a beautiful finishing touch.
- Pecan Streusel Crunch
Offer a small bowl of pecan streusel on the side. Guests can sprinkle this crunchy topping over their slices, adding a nutty flavor and satisfying crispness to each bite.
- Warm with Caramel Drizzle
Gently warm your slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds, then drizzle with warm caramel sauce. The gooey caramel enhances the bourbon and brown sugar notes, creating a luscious experience.
- Pair with Vanilla Ice Cream
Serve a slice alongside a scoop of high-quality vanilla ice cream. As the ice cream melts into the warm pie, you’ll get a heavenly blend of hot and cold, creamy and spiced.
HOW TO STORE BOURBON SWEET POTATO PIE
Once you’ve created the perfect pie, ensuring its freshness and flavor over time is key—especially when planning ahead for gatherings or leftovers. Proper storage methods lock in moisture, maintain texture, and keep that delightful bourbon essence intact. Here are tried-and-true strategies for keeping your pie at peak deliciousness.
- Refrigeration
After the pie has cooled to room temperature, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days to preserve the creamy filling and crisp crust.
- Freezing
For longer storage, wrap the cooled pie whole in a layer of plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil, or freeze individual slices in sealed freezer bags. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
- Covering with Foil
If you plan to enjoy leftovers the next day, simply cover the pie loosely with aluminum foil. This method keeps the crust crisp while preventing the filling from drying out.
- Make-Ahead Assembly
Prepare the filling up to two days in advance and keep it refrigerated in an airtight container. When you’re ready to bake, pour it into a fresh pie crust and follow baking instructions. This cuts down on day-of prep time.
CONCLUSION
This Bourbon Sweet Potato Pie truly embodies a comforting Southern classic with a twist of bourbon that transforms an everyday dessert into something extraordinary. From the first peek at the golden crust to the last bite of creamy, spiced filling, you’ve walked through every step—from gathering beginner-friendly ingredients to mastering the baking and chilling process. The play between sweet potatoes, sugars, warm spices, and that hint of bourbon creates a depth of flavor that’s both nostalgic and novel. With just 30 minutes of preparation, an hour of baking, and a couple of hours of chill time, you can present a stunning dessert that earns endless compliments. Feel free to print this article and save it in your recipe binder or digital archives—you’ll want to revisit this recipe again and again for holidays, potlucks, or cozy family nights in. And keep an eye out for the FAQ below, where I dive deeper into common questions and tips.
If you give this recipe a try, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Did you swap the bourbon for heavy cream, or try one of the suggested toppings? Perhaps you discovered your own creative twist or ran into a question while baking. Please leave your comments, questions, or feedback so we can learn from each other and continue making home cooking a warm and collaborative adventure. Happy baking!
Bourbon Sweet Potato Pie
Description
This Bourbon Sweet Potato Pie marries the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with the warm tones of bourbon and spices, creating a mouthwatering dessert that's perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and mashed sweet potatoes with the softened butter. Beat until well blended.
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Add the granulated sugar and brown sugar to the sweet potato mixture, stirring to combine well.
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Pour in the evaporated milk, and beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next.
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Stir in the bourbon, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until all ingredients are thoroughly mixed.
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Pour the sweet potato filling into the unbaked pie crust, smoothing out the top with a spatula.
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Place the pie on the middle rack of the oven and bake for 55 to 60 minutes, or until the filling is set and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool on a wire rack.
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Once cooled, refrigerate the pie for at least a couple of hours to firm up before serving.
Note
- Bourbon adds a rich, flavorful depth to the pie, enhancing the sweetness of the potatoes.
- If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, you can replace the bourbon with heavy cream.
- For a twist, consider topping the pie with a pecan streusel or whipped cream before serving.
- The pie can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator, making it a convenient choice for gatherings or holidays.
